MANILA, Philippines – La Salle took charge in the fourth quarter and bagged its first victory in the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Cup at the expense of Letran, 80-73, Friday at the Arena in San Juan.
Bluechip rookie Jeron Teng, whose addition gave La Salle another solid option on offense, carried his squad in the second half to finished with 15 points and four rebounds.
Another rookie also shone in the payoff period for La Salle as Mark Tallo pounded the Knights’ defense, giving his squad an eight-point breather with a minute left.
Tallo finished with 10 points of four-of-six shooting, along with five assists and a steal.
La Salle broke away from 53-all in the third period deadlock and seized the lead for good in the face of a fiery Letran, which kept on threatening to storm back.
The Knights, who only led by as big as four, moved to within a basket, 70-72, with four minutes left before Tallo took over for the Archers.